Ambergris Caye Belize

Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest island and a premier Caribbean tourist destination. Known for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it offers incredible snorkeling and diving, thanks to its proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The coastal area also features offshore atolls, hundreds of sand cays, mangrove forests, and lagoons, providing vital habitats for marine turtles, manatees, and American marine crocodiles.

San Pedro is the main town at Ambergris Belize. It has a laid back atmosphere, with a variety of accommodations for every budget, great restaurant options offering fresh sea food and home cooking style meals and a night scene to enjoy. Getting around on the island is mainly by bicycle or golf cart, adding to the island's charm. For longer distances, boats are a convenient option.

Things to do in Ambergris Belize

Visit San Pedro town
San Pedro town is the heart of Ambergris Belize with charming streets, art galleries, cafes and some of the most famous local restaurants in Belize. A great tourist destination is the Belize Chocolate Company where you can sample local chocolates and sign up for a chocolate making class.

Snorkeling
Calm and clear waters, makes Ambergris, Belize ideal for snorkeling. The most renowned spot is Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where you'll be amazed by the coral formations, sea turtles, moray eels, barracuda and kaleidoscopic schools of tropical fish. Many excursions combine Hol Chan with a visit to Shark Ray Alley, offering a unique experience to swim alongside gentle nurse sharks and southern stingrays. Other snorkeling locations in Ambergris Caye include Mexico Rocks, Tres Cocos, and Coral Gardens, each boasting its unique charm and diverse marine inhabitants.

Diving
For diving, Ambergris, Belize is a premier tourist destination that caters to all skill levels. Beyond the popular snorkeling sites, dive trips extend to deeper sections of the barrier reef. You can expect to explore spectacular coral gardens, and encounter an even wider array of marine species, including Caribbean reef sharks.

Secret Beach
Just 7 miles away from San Pedro, Secret Beach is a place to swim and enjoy a tropical drink by the sea. Historically, it was a secluded spot, difficult to reach but today it has transformed into a vibrant hub of beach bars, restaurants, and activities. With calm, shallow waters, it is perfect for wading, floating, and for families with young children. Secret Beach offers some of the most spectacular sunset views on Ambergris Caye.

Bacalar Chico National Park
Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve is a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the northern tip of Ambergris, Belize, approximately 1 hour away by boat from San Pedro. This protected area encompasses a total of over 28,000 acres of marine and terrestrial habitats. Its healthy reefs are a vital habitat for a diverse array of marine life. With 18 kilometers of nature trails it is also great to explore the beautiful coastal forests, swamps, and lagoons. This diverse terrestrial environment is home to dozens of animal species, including endangered pumas and jaguars.

Ambergris Caye tours to other destinations nearby

Blue Hole Diving Site
Just 60 miles from Ambergris, Belize, lies the renowned Great Blue Hole, a world-famous destination for scuba diving. This colossal marine sinkhole was once a dry limestone cave, formed thousands of years ago. As ocean levels rose, the cave flooded and its ceiling eventually collapsed, creating the geological marvel we see today. The Blue Hole gained international fame when it was explored and championed by the legendary Jacques Cousteau, who declared it one of his favorite dive sites. Plunging to a depth of approximately 122 meters (400 feet) and stretching an impressive 300 meters (984 feet) across, the sheer scale of the Belize Blue Hole is so immense that it is visible even from space.

Visit Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a small island and a famous tourist destination due to its laid back vibe. Only 40 minutes away via ferry from Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker offers great snorkeling and sunset views. Visit The Split, a narrow channel of water that divides Caye Caulker, into two sections: North and South Caye Caulker. Formed by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, the Split is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. Look for tiny seahorses in the shallow waters. At Caye Caulker you will also enjoy a fantastic culinary scene, particularly known for having street barbecue spots serving fresh lobsters, fish, and chicken. Rent a bike and pedal along the sandy streets, discovering local shops, great coffee places and hidden corners.